Dundee United manager Mixu Paatelainen hopes Japanese goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima’s experience will help secure a work permit.
The Tangerines are waiting anxiously to see if Kawashima’s application is successful, with Paatelainen stressing the value he will add to Tannadice having played 72 times for his country.
The United boss said: “It’s all up in the air because it’s not in our hands.
“Everything is agreed between the player and the club and it’s about getting a work permit now.
“He has played plenty of times for Japan and been a regular but since he’s not played since the summer for a club he’s not been in the last couple of Japanese squads.
“Hopefully, the people who decide about the work permit will realise he’s a player with plenty of experience who will help our young goalkeepers.
“I don’t know when it will be held. Probably not before this weekend but who knows?
“I think experience is key.
“We have good young goalkeepers here and Kawashima will come and compete for the position but also he will bring his experience to training to help the young keepers.
“It’s not always the case a player of this calibre is available for free at this time of the season.
“He’s been training regularly and he’s fit.
“Hopefully, he becomes a Dundee United player.”